The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed a case of oak wilt in Niagara-on-the-Lake, making this the third confirmed case of oak wilt in Ontario.
Background
Oak wilt is caused by a fungus and spreads naturally through root grafts or beetles carrying fungal spores. Red Oaks are particularly susceptible to this fungus. Although the disease moves slowly, it poses a significant threat to Canada’s trees and forests if not controlled.
Inspectors have authorities under the Plant Protection Act and Plant Protection Regulations to prohibit, restrict or require actions to address risks to plant health. When required, notices that outline specific regulatory measures are communicated to the affected property owner.
To help prevent the spread of oak wilt, movement restrictions (moving any wood from the property offsite) have been imposed on the affected property.
The CFIA has been working with the Town and the affected property owner to address this issue as soon as possible.
The CFIA is leading this initiative and has already been actively preparing for oak wilt through education, outreach activities and developing the Oak Wilt Response Framework for Canada. A pre-established Oak Wilt Technical Advisory Committee, comprising municipal, provincial, and federal partners, has also been organized. The CFIA will continue to work with affected stakeholders to determine the next steps.
Impacts on the trade of oak products are not anticipated at this time, as these detections were found in residential areas and not where trees are harvested.
How to Help Prevent the Spread of Oak Wilt
The CFIA is asking the public not to prune oak trees between April and November, as they are at high risk for oak wilt infection at this time. Beetles can carry the oak wilt fungus from tree to tree and enter wounded trees.
If you observe signs of oak wilt, such as dull green, brown or yellow leaves, cracks in the trunk, white, grey or black fungus, and early and sudden leaf drops on your oak tree, please report this at inspection.canada.ca/oakwilt.
The Town is committed to working with stakeholders to protect Niagara-on-the-Lake oak trees from the spread of oak wilt.
For immediate alerts, follow the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
The Corporation of the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake
info@notl.com | 905-468-3266